Insulated structure

Abstract

An insulated structure, typically a drum, can initially have an outer uninsulated wall of heat conductive material. The outer wall, such as the outer cylindrical wall of a drum, may then be insulated with insulation supplied as panels. Each panel covers a part of the surface, e.g., extends part way around a portion of the circumference of a drum. Each panel connects, end-to-end, to at least one other insulation panel. Adjacent panels are advantageously joined end-to-end by adjustable joining means. Each panel has an outer metal sheet, such as of galvanized steel. This sheet has an inner layer of ceramic fiber insulation bonded to it. In addition to being attached to each other, panels may also be secured to the wall.

We claim: 
     
       1. In an insulated drum which has a cylindrical drum wall of heat conductive material, and which has insulation on an outer peripheral surface of the drum, the improvement in said insulation comprising anchoring means secured to said outer peripheral surface of said drum, multiple insulation panels applied in conformity to said outer peripheral surface, with at least some of said panels attached to said anchoring means, each insulation panel extending circumferentially part way around a portion of said outer peripheral surface, with each panel being joined end-to-end to at least one adjacent panel extending circumferentially part way around said outer peripheral surface, with each of said insulation panels comprising an outer metal sheet and an inner layer of ceramic fiber insulation bonded to said metal sheet, said metal sheet for at least some panels having an extension section which extends at one end of said panel beyond said inner layer of ceramic fiber and for at least some panels extends over said anchoring means. 
     
     
       2. The insulated drum of claim 1, wherein each insulation panel is joined at each end to adjacent insulation panels forming a series of panels extending completely around the circumference of said outer peripheral surface. 
     
     
       3. The insulated drum of claim 1, wherein said anchoring means comprises a metal member, said member is welded to said peripheral surface and said panel is mechanically attached to said member. 
     
     
       4. The insulated drum of claim 1, wherein said anchoring means comprises a channel member and said channel member if filled with ceramic fiber insulation. 
     
     
       5. The insulated drum of claim 1, wherein each insulation panel has an outer metal sheet selected from the group consisting of steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel and aluminum. 
     
     
       6. The insulated drum of claim 5, wherein said outer metal sheet is from about 14 to about 28 gauge metal. 
     
     
       7. The insulated drum of claim 1, wherein at least some adjacent panels are joined with adjustable fastening means in tension, said panels being positioned end-to-end to one another. 
     
     
       8. The insulated drum of claim 7, wherein said adjustable fastening means comprise threaded fasteners. 
     
     
       9. The insulated drum of claim 1, wherein said wall of heat conductive material is a wall of steel or stainless steel. 
     
     
       10. The insulated drum of claim 1, wherein said outer metal sheet is adhesively bonded to said inner layer of ceramic fiber insulation. 
     
     
       11. The insulated drum of claim 10, wherein the adhesive for said bonding is selected from the group consisting of sodium silicate and colloidal silica. 
     
     
       12. The insulated drum of claim 10, wherein the depth of the inner layer of said insulation is within the range from about one inch to about six inches. 
     
     
       13. A drum which has a cylindrical drum wall of heat conductive material, with the drum being adapted for application of insulation panels on an outer peripheral surface of the drum wall, said drum being adapted for application of insulation panels on an outer peripheral surface of the drum wall, said drum comprising: (a) at least one channel member insulation panel end anchoring means, which channel member panel end anchoring means comprises a channel affixed to said drum wall with its open face against said drum wall, said channel member being positioned in an axial direction along said drum wall and containing ceramic fiber insulation within the channel; and   (b) rib member insulation panel side anchoring means, which rib member panel side anchoring means comprises an angle having a leg affixed to said drum wall while extending circumferentially around said drum.